Author Topic: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.  (Read 15022 times)

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Offline Jáchym

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #25 on: February 08, 2016, 06:29:23 PM »
Exactly

Offline ocala

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2016, 06:43:17 PM »
Quote

I got a email saying that they will send me a free station. But like you said I must get followers. I am not sure how many I can get in this area. I just might let it go and say I tired.

I'm sure you'll get more than 20 followers from here alone. 
And It's not always the location but the view.  :grin:
IF they send me one that would be the issue. I even put in the comments section that I didn't have 20 followers. That will probably nix getting the station but I had to be honest.
Just couldn't be untruthful with them possibly sending me a station.
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Offline CW2274

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #27 on: February 08, 2016, 06:50:00 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

Offline CNYWeather

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #28 on: February 08, 2016, 07:59:26 PM »
A pinned list of all the stations here may be a good thing. I should get mine the end of the week.
Tony




Offline Jáchym

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #29 on: February 08, 2016, 08:04:24 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

IMHO.... no.... this is a webcam with some built-in sensors which provide approximate current weather conditions

Offline CW2274

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #30 on: February 08, 2016, 08:49:03 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

IMHO.... no.... this is a webcam with some built-in sensors which provide approximate current weather conditions
No surprise, another Netamo. I couldn't care less about those that use this personally, it's when these "scientific instruments" pollute the water with the crap that people put online. Am I harsh and shouldn't care? Yep, but that's how I feel.

Offline Jáchym

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #31 on: February 08, 2016, 09:06:05 PM »
I see it as purely a solar powered webcam

Temp accuracy: +- 3 deg
Humidity +-4 percent
Operating range - 4 f / - 20 c to 131 f / 55 c
Rain gauge: "accurately predicts rainfall"

Offline Fox_Of_The_Wind

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #32 on: February 08, 2016, 09:20:34 PM »
Quote

I got a email saying that they will send me a free station. But like you said I must get followers. I am not sure how many I can get in this area. I just might let it go and say I tired.

I'm sure you'll get more than 20 followers from here alone. 
And It's not always the location but the view.  :grin:

I went with it. Thought what the heck. :)

Anthony

Offline SpringHillWeather

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #33 on: February 08, 2016, 09:46:46 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

It doesn't have all the sensors as a true PWS but its the wifi Skycam to WU that caught my attention.

I think they are trying to position it to NEST.

Here is what I found on specs. 
PDF manual
https://storage.googleapis.com/bloomsky-web-assets/download/BloomSky_Product_Manual_Outdoor_Station_Model_SKY1.pdf
Technical Specifications
Camera
• Ultra-wide angle HD camera built-in with 49-degree adjustable shooting angle and fisheye
lens
• Capture sky pictures around every 5 minutes or upon sudden change of temperature, humidity
or precipitation.
• Compressed time lapse video of sky view generated at end of the day
• Turn on at dawn and turn off at dusk based on sunrise and sunset in your area

Sensors
• 5-in-1 sensors measure temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV exposure, and
precipitation (detection only) with the following tolerances
• Operating temperature range: -4°F (-20°C) to 131°F (55°C)
• Temperature accuracy: ±3°C (max)

• Relative humidity precision : ± 4% RH (max), 0–80% RH
• UV exposure range: 280nm - 400nm (UV-A, UV-B)
• Absolute pressure range: 260 - 1260 mbar
• Smart photometric sensor measures daylight brightness and ensures correct exposure
• Patented smart rain sensor distinguishes precipitation from other moisture and responds
instantly when rain starts to fall

Power Options
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery operating and charging temperature range: -4°F (-20°C) to 131°F (55°C)
• Operating time: up to two weeks per charge
• Low battery alert sends push notifications on mobile apps
• Charging Option 1: through A/C Input
• 100-240V~50/60Hz(worldwide use), Output: DC 12V-2A
• Charging Option 2: through solar panel
• Output: DC 12V-1A

Connectivity
• Wi-Fi connection
• WLAN Standard: Single-band 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Frequency Range: 2412 MHz ~ 2462 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band)
• Number of Channels: 2.4GHz: Ch1 ~ Ch11

Material/Design
• Water, dust, UV-resistant when the Outdoor Station is positioned upright
• Stake apparatus stands upright on for insertion in patio or garden soil
• Mounting hardware designed for placement on roof/railing
App Features and Operating Systems
• Smartphone and tablet apps available
• iOS version 7.0 or higher
• Android version 4.0 or higher
• Access real-time weather data, sky pictures, alert notifications, and time-lapses via the App
• View real-time photos of the sky to learn more about your weather. Pictures are updated every
five minutes.
Learn about real-time Temperature, Humidity, UV, Pressure, and Precipitation for your Outdoor
Weather Station. Data is updated every five minutes.
• Search and follow other BloomSky users to access their weather stations’ hyper-local weather
reports.
• Share your weather and sky pictures with your friends and family.
• Track the sky and cloud movement throughout your day.
• Use the app to set up your BloomSky Outdoor Station and BloomSky Indoor Station.
• Receive rain alerts and notifications of major weather events.


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Offline CW2274

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #34 on: February 08, 2016, 10:06:45 PM »
Thank you.

Offline SpringHillWeather

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #35 on: February 08, 2016, 10:31:49 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

IMHO.... no.... this is a webcam with some built-in sensors which provide approximate current weather conditions
No surprise, another Netamo. I couldn't care less about those that use this personally, it's when these "scientific instruments" pollute the water with the crap that people put online. Am I harsh and shouldn't care? Yep, but that's how I feel.

I hear what you saying. 

This is really for another discussion but at what point are can amateur weather devices co-exist with long standing professional weather stations?   Since I'm new to the community I see both sides of embracing new technology but wanting to preserve tried and true methods using accepted equipment that has a proven track record.

Like the Netamo I not sure if WU is using the BloomSky data for modeling.

My Ambient is passing QC for CWOP but I'm not sure if that is what makes it acceptable as a "Scientific Instrument"? 

I believe these devices serve a purpose but agree with the cross-over.
Very interesting.....
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Offline CW2274

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #36 on: February 08, 2016, 11:38:14 PM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

IMHO.... no.... this is a webcam with some built-in sensors which provide approximate current weather conditions
No surprise, another Netamo. I couldn't care less about those that use this personally, it's when these "scientific instruments" pollute the water with the crap that people put online. Am I harsh and shouldn't care? Yep, but that's how I feel.

I hear what you saying. 

This is really for another discussion but at what point are can amateur weather devices co-exist with long standing professional weather stations?   Since I'm new to the community I see both sides of embracing new technology but wanting to preserve tried and true methods using accepted equipment that has a proven track record.

Like the Netamo I not sure if WU is using the BloomSky data for modeling.

My Ambient is passing QC for CWOP but I'm not sure if that is what makes it acceptable as a "Scientific Instrument"? 

I believe these devices serve a purpose but agree with the cross-over.
Very interesting.....
The bottom line is that only better, more stringent QC would serve the purpose of how I envision online reporting. I don't think there are too many board members data here that I wouldn't trust, if any at all, as we're all basically enthusiast that want to get it as right as we can. Others, not so much.

Offline nincehelser

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #37 on: February 09, 2016, 12:50:45 AM »
This is a weather webcam sub-forum.

Please take the time to understand where you are posting.

Offline hankster

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #38 on: February 09, 2016, 09:28:44 PM »
Mine arrived this evening and I'll get it setup temporarily tomorrow. I want to mount it on the eve of the house this weekend. All I can say it this thing is heavy duty. The solar panel is huge (appox 15"x12")and the mounting bracket is made from thick aluminum. Here's a pic of it unboxed.

Offline ajkimoto

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #39 on: February 09, 2016, 09:38:20 PM »
I requested a free weather station from Bloomsky and was selected!  It arrived during the week and I set it up last Sunday afternoon.  The folks at Bloomsky are encouraging us to get as many followers as we can.  If you have the Bloomsky out there, please follow:

Crestmoor Station in San Bruno, CA

The first day I had the camera pointed straight up, but lowered it to capture more of the surroundings Monday evening. 

Offline PaulMy

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #40 on: February 09, 2016, 11:04:02 PM »
Mine shipped Feb 6 and will likely be delivered tomorrow if I can come up with the ransom/duty ;)
Code: [Select]
[/London, ON, Canada 
 02/09/2016  5:34 P.M.  The receiver must pay the duties or taxes due on the package. 
 02/09/2016  5:07 P.M.  The package is awaiting clearing agency review. / Your package was released by the clearing agency. 
 02/09/2016  3:56 A.M.  Your package is at the clearing agency awaiting final release. 
Sunnyvale, CA, United States  02/08/2016  11:30 P.M.  Departure Scan 
 02/08/2016  10:29 P.M.  Origin Scan 
 02/08/2016  5:42 P.M.  Pickup Scan United States
 02/06/2016  2:10 P.M.  Order Processed: Ready for UPS 
code]

Paul

Offline W3DRM

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #41 on: February 09, 2016, 11:29:25 PM »
I see they are still accepting applications for a FREE BloomSky. I sent my application in this evening. Now, I just wait to see if I get accepted for the program.

The FREE program currently is open until Feb 10, 2016 @ 11:59pm PST - that is tomorrow night!!!
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Offline tosealer

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #42 on: February 10, 2016, 08:26:34 AM »
Mine shipped Feb 6 and will likely be delivered tomorrow if I can come up with the ransom/duty ;)
Paul - Let me know what Canada Customs dings you for on this.  I just signed up for one, but if I have to pay shipping and duties wondering if it is worth it.
« Last Edit: February 10, 2016, 09:37:41 AM by tosealer »

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Offline Maumelle Weather

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #43 on: February 10, 2016, 08:44:59 AM »
They are shipping mine via UPS Ground which cost me $19.99. I know shipping outside of the U.S. via UPS/Fedex gets very expensive quickly, not counting the VAT/duties.
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Offline Jumpin Joe

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #44 on: February 10, 2016, 09:09:52 AM »
Same for me.  Mine should be here Friday.

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Offline 92merc

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #45 on: February 10, 2016, 09:16:52 AM »
Mine arrived this evening and I'll get it setup temporarily tomorrow. I want to mount it on the eve of the house this weekend. All I can say it this thing is heavy duty. The solar panel is huge (appox 15"x12")and the mounting bracket is made from thick aluminum. Here's a pic of it unboxed.

It looks like you have an AC adapter.  Does it look like that can be used lue of the solar panel?  Reason I ask is I have an outlet outside near where I want to mount my Bloomsky.  And in ND, solar activity in the summer is quite limited.  AC might be the more reliable way to go for me.  That and I won't need a second post out back then.  My current post isn't setup for southern exposure.
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Offline VaJim

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #46 on: February 10, 2016, 09:39:23 AM »
This is an honest question, is this meant to be a serious PWS? I can't even get any specs on it..... :?

IMO...once the purchase or possession is made it becomes a 'serious' PWS. 

Based on their network map, they seem to have found their niche:

https://map.bloomsky.com/

For those that have their doubts or continue to classify it otherwise, there are plans to add sensors for both rain and wind measurements. 

 :-P


Offline VaJim

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #47 on: February 10, 2016, 09:41:14 AM »
Mine arrived this evening and I'll get it setup temporarily tomorrow. I want to mount it on the eve of the house this weekend. All I can say it this thing is heavy duty. The solar panel is huge (appox 15"x12")and the mounting bracket is made from thick aluminum. Here's a pic of it unboxed.

It looks like you have an AC adapter.  Does it look like that can be used lue of the solar panel?  Reason I ask is I have an outlet outside near where I want to mount my Bloomsky.  And in ND, solar activity in the summer is quite limited.  AC might be the more reliable way to go for me.  That and I won't need a second post out back then.  My current post isn't setup for southern exposure.

The Bloomsky can operate for about 14 days solo (no solar power).  Then you should bring it indoors for a charge.  The app will notify you when you reach that point.  Looking at their map, they need some representation in ND.  Go for it!!
« Last Edit: February 10, 2016, 09:42:48 AM by VaJim »

Offline 92merc

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #48 on: February 10, 2016, 09:46:14 AM »
Quote
The Bloomsky can operate for about 14 days solo (no solar power).  Then you should bring it indoors for a charge.  The app will notify you when you reach that point.  Looking at their map, they need some representation in ND.  Go for it!!

The other issue I have is with the temp.  Their rated temp is -4F.  We routinely get below that.  I'm guessing AC would help with that issue as well.  Batteries don't hold their juice well at that low of a temp.
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Offline VaJim

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Re: BloomSky is looking for community partners, application ending tomorrow.
« Reply #49 on: February 10, 2016, 09:58:43 AM »
Quote
The Bloomsky can operate for about 14 days solo (no solar power).  Then you should bring it indoors for a charge.  The app will notify you when you reach that point.  Looking at their map, they need some representation in ND.  Go for it!!

The other issue I have is with the temp.  Their rated temp is -4F.  We routinely get below that.  I'm guessing AC would help with that issue as well.  Batteries don't hold their juice well at that low of a temp.

Wow...that's cold.  That's a good question.  If exposed to something below -4, I'm not sure bringing in it for a charge would help.  I suspect it would based on how long it was subject to the extreme temps.

 

anything